Retro Party

Our company relived the 70’s disco craze for this year’s Christmas Party. I didn’t know that such would be the theme neither would there be a theme (the previous years’ simply, Christmas) although it so happened that last year our department party was themed 80’s.

The previous week, I had decided to skip the event since it coincided with exams in school. However, a memorandum declaring a shortened working time on the big day came in a couple of days before the party hence my office pals convinced me to take the exam earlier than scheduled. Fortunately, my prof agreed.

The party was held in the long hall of the Exhibit and Convention Center which was used as the banquet during the Ad Congress. The program took off with energizing numbers by a guest band which played the era’s hits with an enthralling rendition of “Stand by Me” first in the playlist. Watching how it stirred the crowd groove- ecstatic in the early part of the program, I must say that the music of the 70’s isn’t as old school as I thought it was. I myself was bobbing my head along with the beat in no time!

Every department had to prepare its own meal but still each office was given a whole lechon (Philippines’ traditional roasted pig) as a compliment from the management. A feast indeed! Various prizes were raffled at intervals ranging from bags, cash, cell phones, and appliances such as DVD players, microwave oven, 21” TV, etc. There are plenty of prizes that the raffle wasn’t done even if most of the crowd had left late in the night. The small items (although not small in cost/worth) were just tossed to the crowd.

The highlights of the program include the dance competition among the different business units with 25K pesos at stake, and there’s this surprise digital presentation where the bobbing heads of our CEO, one of his deputies and a manager were placed on animated bodies dancing to the beats of “I Will Survive” and “Rock This Party” . We laughed hard and cheered on for the bosses who participated in the dance competitions as well.

Employees of different sizes and ages who dressed for the occasion are also noteworthy. I enjoyed looking on intensely colored bold prints, geometric patterns, and plaids, and of course wide headbands on the ladies and bushy afros of the men. My outfit (shirt and hat were bought just that morning) was likewise a scene-stealer which earned raves although it’s more pop than 70’s. Well, unconventional is my style. Besides, what do I know about the 70’s? My parents are not even acquainted with each other yet during those times.

From the Convention Center, we proceeded to my boss’ place where a bountiful dinner was set. Certainly, it’s a season of merry-making!

Night Swimming

The gorgeous protocol volunteers of the Philippine Advertising Congress made waves once again quite literally during our reunion cum victory party held in Ocean View Beach Resort two weeks after the AdCon concluded.

As if having imbibed the Congress industry’s way of life, we took advantage of Friendster bulletin and SMS to ‘advertise’ the event. Through the social network of a fellow volunteer whose family owns an established printing business in the city, we had booked the beach for half the price.

If I construed it right, it was our etiquette mentor, Sir Albert - err… Albert rather (he hates the ‘sir’), who spearheaded the idea before setting back to Manila hence that Sunday afternoon, he, together with Cam (the only protocol volunteer who’s not a resident of the city) traveled back to join us. Albert took care of almost everything; food was lavish as well as liquor leaving to us the cooking of rice and few fishes only.

Some arrived and prepared things around lunchtime while most came by sunset. Everybody had fun chatting, splashing in the water and of course our common favorite, posing for the camera that is. Few of the girls who didn’t plan to swim due to their period hadn’t resisted the inviting water which was a bit chilly.

Unfortunately, many failed to come for various reasons and some left early due to exams. Before we left, Albert talked to me things about being a good person and an achiever, pursuing my dreams and being happy with whatever I do although there’s this thing which he cannot describe properly but seems similar to my tendency to be stubborn and snobbish. Whatever that he’s trying to say, whether he’s right about it or he just misinterpreted me, I know his intentions are good and that is for me to become a better person. Just as how he put it, “whatever”.

(Credits to all owners of these photos)

Party, Evolved!

Good enough it didn’t take long for me to compensate for lost sleep from Friday night’s event; it was our school’s annual acquaintance party and induction of officers.

Days prior the event, my co-officers in the Student Council and I had been stressed from preparations including sending out letters, negotiating for lights, sounds, catering and other services, ticket production and distribution, and most stressful of which was taking instructions from both the real concerned and the self-appointed-concerned people. The programme underwent major revisions. Due to some unavoidable circumstances, I had to function as a one-man committee for the invitation and certificates which I had completed and released only the night before the party.

As expected in such events, work does not end in the preparations. There were a lot of matters needing attention that popped up. Being the emcees, it was our job to keep the program interesting as possible especially that its early part has those messages and oath taking ceremonies which really are not what the students are after. We were also like staffs in a department store's information desk paging wanted fellows and making announcements for lost belongings. The tough thing is that we had to be so upbeat yet we had to make sure that we do not rob the serious parts of its solemnity.

I really can’t understand why the school always gets me to emcee. Maybe because they get my services for free *sigh*. Honestly, I’m getting tired of being the host although I get to work with a different partner each time.

Good enough our 1,000+ audience that night are cooperative enough to clap and laugh on our antics or else I’ll be quitting that very moment!

On the other hand, I have to tell about the interesting highlight of the event which was the Dance Evolution Competition. Students of our colleges grooved to the beats of the eras. Some took off with Philippine folk dances while others started from the 70’s. They were to choose their songs as long as the whole presentation does not exceed 8 minutes. The impressive thing I must say is that despite the short time to practice (prelim exams were just the week before), the presentations turned out spectacular! I even have this impression that since all are equally great dancers, judging might have just been on mastery, and props and costumes.

Of eight competing groups, the Engineering dancers dominated the floor reclaiming the championship from the Hotel and Restaurant Management group which came in second this year. I’m trying to find someone with a video and have it uploaded in YouTube.

Despite the exhausting preparations and annoying incidents, the party still turned out successful. Although quite less organized than last year’s, I find it more fun this time especially the disco party with great lights and music spun by local jock Cyber Bugs who by the way complimented my hosting and said that with very minimal training, I’ll be ready to be on-air should I consider being a radio jockey. Ahem! *wink*

Oh well, I’m looking forward for another fun-packed and eventually better party next year – with me as an audience hopefully.

At the Convention Center's lobby with last year's party host, the fabulous Judy